August 2015
Emma, formerly Darby, is working on becoming a therapy dog! We love these wonderful updates from our adopters!
Emma, formerly Darby, is working on becoming a therapy dog! We love these wonderful updates from our adopters!
May 6, 2015
Just over a year ago, SMART Rescue placed one of our beautiful german shepards, Sadie, with a retired Airborne Ranger who was recovering from injuries. A SMART Rescue Board Member covered the cost of the adoption and Sadie got a great home.
Last night we heard from the adopter with a note of thanks.....
"Once again, thank you so much. She has made such a powerful and positive impact on my life"
Shiva/Sadie (formerly Queen from MCAS)
Just over a year ago, SMART Rescue placed one of our beautiful german shepards, Sadie, with a retired Airborne Ranger who was recovering from injuries. A SMART Rescue Board Member covered the cost of the adoption and Sadie got a great home.
Last night we heard from the adopter with a note of thanks.....
"Once again, thank you so much. She has made such a powerful and positive impact on my life"
Shiva/Sadie (formerly Queen from MCAS)
May 3, 2015
Frazier was adopted to a great home this week. We receive this letter from him:
"Hi mom,
Just wanted to let you know I am really happy at my new home! My new mom let's me sit in her lap all the time and sleep with her ,my dad and my new big brother..he's the best, he let's me curl up next to him! Oh and my new mom got me a doggy car seat all my own..I love it..but still getting used to riding in the car..love.playing.outside with my cousins..they are leaving this weekend but lots of fun! I just love everyone...but most.of all they love me!
Love Tazer(aka frazier)"
Frazier was adopted to a great home this week. We receive this letter from him:
"Hi mom,
Just wanted to let you know I am really happy at my new home! My new mom let's me sit in her lap all the time and sleep with her ,my dad and my new big brother..he's the best, he let's me curl up next to him! Oh and my new mom got me a doggy car seat all my own..I love it..but still getting used to riding in the car..love.playing.outside with my cousins..they are leaving this weekend but lots of fun! I just love everyone...but most.of all they love me!
Love Tazer(aka frazier)"
Darby
Shiva aka Sadie
Frazier
Chloe
February 8, 2015
ADOPTED!!! Chloe now resides in Austin with her brother, Locker. Lucky dog!!! Austin has been good to Smart Rescue. Three dogs and two cats have been adopted to Austin area residents in the past year. Taz, Poppy, Reiley, PJ and Chloe. Thank you, Austin peeps!!!
ADOPTED!!! Chloe now resides in Austin with her brother, Locker. Lucky dog!!! Austin has been good to Smart Rescue. Three dogs and two cats have been adopted to Austin area residents in the past year. Taz, Poppy, Reiley, PJ and Chloe. Thank you, Austin peeps!!!
September 5, 2015
Sage and Abby were adopted together today!!! They were originally adopted from Smart as puppies in 2012. Earlier this year when their family was transferred out of country, Sage and Abby were returned to their original foster. They are extremely bonded and we are ecstatic that they were adopted together.
Sage and Abby were adopted together today!!! They were originally adopted from Smart as puppies in 2012. Earlier this year when their family was transferred out of country, Sage and Abby were returned to their original foster. They are extremely bonded and we are ecstatic that they were adopted together.
Sage & Abby
HAPPY HOMES
Just a few of our many new beginnings.....
2015 thru 2018
Just a few of our many new beginnings.....
2015 thru 2018
Woman With Hearing Loss Taught Her Deaf Cat Sign Language, Including The Word 'Dance'
The Huffington Post | ByArin Greenwood
Posted: 03/26/2015 12:35 pm EDT Updated: 03/31/2015 5:59 pm EDT
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2015/03/26/cats-sign-language_n_6940892.html?1427387769
The Huffington Post | ByArin Greenwood
Posted: 03/26/2015 12:35 pm EDT Updated: 03/31/2015 5:59 pm EDT
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2015/03/26/cats-sign-language_n_6940892.html?1427387769
When Kim Silva retired from teaching at the American School for the Deaf, she decided to start teaching sign language to her cats.
"Guess I missed the kiddies so I began teaching the kitties!" Silva says.
It all started after setting sights on a deaf cat named Bambi.
In 2009, after losing another beloved pet, Silva and her husband, John -- who are both deaf -- were ready for a new feline companion.
"[We] fell in love with Bambi on Petfinder," Silva says.
Silva's previous teaching experience was pretty much limited to humans, but she was optimistic that American Sign Language would help Bambi live most fully -- and that the cat would be a perfectly good student.
"Since my daughters learned signs from infancy, I had ideas how to introduce sign," she says.
"Guess I missed the kiddies so I began teaching the kitties!" Silva says.
It all started after setting sights on a deaf cat named Bambi.
In 2009, after losing another beloved pet, Silva and her husband, John -- who are both deaf -- were ready for a new feline companion.
"[We] fell in love with Bambi on Petfinder," Silva says.
Silva's previous teaching experience was pretty much limited to humans, but she was optimistic that American Sign Language would help Bambi live most fully -- and that the cat would be a perfectly good student.
"Since my daughters learned signs from infancy, I had ideas how to introduce sign," she says.
Bambi was at A Smart Rescue in Texas, though, and it would take a while before she could be brought to Connecticut, where Silva lives. In the meantime, she figured, she might as well get started with the cats she already had, even though both of them could hear.
A lot of deaf dogs have learned ASL. Groups like the ASPCA say training cats in general is possible (always using positive reinforcement, of course). Still, Silva says even "some deaf people have questioned if cats could learn sign."
"Bobcat immediately understood," she says. "My other cat, Bear, was very old and was not interested."
Bobcat learned one sign after another "until he learned the new vocabulary," Silva says. "Bobcat was a sponge for sign language! He showed off. He was fabulous."
Bambi picked up the signs even more easily, since, Silva explains, she had "peer reinforcement and copied Bobcat."
Thomasina, who then joined the family in 2013, after Bear died, learned even faster.
The cats have a delightfully expansive vocabulary. Among the words they now know are: "come," "more," "sit," "stay," "shake," "high five," "sleep," "circle," "shrimp,' "play," "canned food," "finish" and "dance" (though sometimes they don't feel like doing that one). They also know "off," which Silva must spell out, letter by letter.
A lot of deaf dogs have learned ASL. Groups like the ASPCA say training cats in general is possible (always using positive reinforcement, of course). Still, Silva says even "some deaf people have questioned if cats could learn sign."
"Bobcat immediately understood," she says. "My other cat, Bear, was very old and was not interested."
Bobcat learned one sign after another "until he learned the new vocabulary," Silva says. "Bobcat was a sponge for sign language! He showed off. He was fabulous."
Bambi picked up the signs even more easily, since, Silva explains, she had "peer reinforcement and copied Bobcat."
Thomasina, who then joined the family in 2013, after Bear died, learned even faster.
The cats have a delightfully expansive vocabulary. Among the words they now know are: "come," "more," "sit," "stay," "shake," "high five," "sleep," "circle," "shrimp,' "play," "canned food," "finish" and "dance" (though sometimes they don't feel like doing that one). They also know "off," which Silva must spell out, letter by letter.
A lot of the commands are carried out in the video at the beginning of the story. Silva hopes the clip, made by her son-in-law Tim O'Donnell, will inspire others to adopt deaf cats of their own -- and teach them sign language, too.
"Cats become much more interactive with people because they want to communicate," Silva says. "Bobcat was a 'pillow that ate' before he learned sign. He interacted with other cats, but ignored people. After he learned sign at age 7 years, he became the extroverted show cat! My cats will also do tricks with other people who sign with them."
While the talented cats respond to Silva's commands, they don't actually sign themselves -- at least not a whole lot.
"Bambi likes attention and likes to play ball. She stretches up to tap my hands signing 'play' for me to get her ball," says Silva.
Still, she remains hopeful her communicative felines will one day acquire more of this rather wonderful skill.
"I would like for my cats to be able to sign to me and ask for food," she says. "I have seen this online in other signing cat videos, but was not able to teach Bobcat. I will try again with Bambi and Thomasina."
"Cats become much more interactive with people because they want to communicate," Silva says. "Bobcat was a 'pillow that ate' before he learned sign. He interacted with other cats, but ignored people. After he learned sign at age 7 years, he became the extroverted show cat! My cats will also do tricks with other people who sign with them."
While the talented cats respond to Silva's commands, they don't actually sign themselves -- at least not a whole lot.
"Bambi likes attention and likes to play ball. She stretches up to tap my hands signing 'play' for me to get her ball," says Silva.
Still, she remains hopeful her communicative felines will one day acquire more of this rather wonderful skill.
"I would like for my cats to be able to sign to me and ask for food," she says. "I have seen this online in other signing cat videos, but was not able to teach Bobcat. I will try again with Bambi and Thomasina."
November 2015
Jerry was adopted in June. Jerry came to Smart with his brother, young, barely 8 wks old and already terrified of people. Jerry is doing great in his home, still scared of strange men, but he has come a long way!
Jerry was adopted in June. Jerry came to Smart with his brother, young, barely 8 wks old and already terrified of people. Jerry is doing great in his home, still scared of strange men, but he has come a long way!
Jerry
October 15, 2015
Tator, formerly known as Frazier, is real glad his mom is home from vacation. He loves seeing his former foster mom, who doggy sits him, but he misses his momma. Rescued from the streets of Houston, Tator is loving his new life!
Tator, formerly known as Frazier, is real glad his mom is home from vacation. He loves seeing his former foster mom, who doggy sits him, but he misses his momma. Rescued from the streets of Houston, Tator is loving his new life!
Tator
February 2016
Finn was adopted by a wonderful family at The Woodlands Harley Davidson adoption event.
Finn was adopted by a wonderful family at The Woodlands Harley Davidson adoption event.
Finn
July 2016
Joey was adopted by a wonderful family that just loves him dearly.
Joey was adopted by a wonderful family that just loves him dearly.
Joey
Brik
July 2016
Brik's adopters went to PetSmart to buy a cat tree for their current cat when they spotted him and fell in love. He is assimilating well and enjoying the company of the cat and 2 older dogs in the house. Brik seems to be enjoying the new cat tree.
Brik's adopters went to PetSmart to buy a cat tree for their current cat when they spotted him and fell in love. He is assimilating well and enjoying the company of the cat and 2 older dogs in the house. Brik seems to be enjoying the new cat tree.
November 2016
Prior to being adopted, Dottie was introduced to her potential canine family member. It was a match made in heaven and now she's in a wonderful, loving home.
Prior to being adopted, Dottie was introduced to her potential canine family member. It was a match made in heaven and now she's in a wonderful, loving home.
Dottie
Care Bare
September 2016
Care Bare (formally Barrie) was adopted in September. As you can see...Care Bare settled into her new home very quickly. She took a nap as soon as she arrived "home".
Care Bare (formally Barrie) was adopted in September. As you can see...Care Bare settled into her new home very quickly. She took a nap as soon as she arrived "home".
January 2017
Remy (now Raven) was adopted in 2008. He's doing great and will be 9 yrs old this coming March. He is very, very smart so, he can be quite a challenge. Here are some picture of him being mischievous as usual. His mom says that she should have named him ALVIN like that chipmunk since he's always getting into trouble.
Remy (now Raven) was adopted in 2008. He's doing great and will be 9 yrs old this coming March. He is very, very smart so, he can be quite a challenge. Here are some picture of him being mischievous as usual. His mom says that she should have named him ALVIN like that chipmunk since he's always getting into trouble.
Raven (fka Remy)
August 2017
Prior special needs was adopted by her foster mom who couldn't part with her after taking care of her during her recovery.
Prior special needs was adopted by her foster mom who couldn't part with her after taking care of her during her recovery.
Susie
August 2017
Update on a Spring 2016 kitten adoption. This is from her mom "She's over a year old now and is doing great...she's very spoiled and talkative and weighs 11 pounds! She loves manis/pedis and stealing stuffed animals from the kid's rooms. We sure love this Big girl!"
Update on a Spring 2016 kitten adoption. This is from her mom "She's over a year old now and is doing great...she's very spoiled and talkative and weighs 11 pounds! She loves manis/pedis and stealing stuffed animals from the kid's rooms. We sure love this Big girl!"
Angel
Calamity
August 2017
Calamity is a big girl with a big attitude. She was adopted by a mom that says she has an attitude to compete with Calamity!
Calamity is a big girl with a big attitude. She was adopted by a mom that says she has an attitude to compete with Calamity!
January 2018
Angel is having a ball in her new home...she has her own room! As you can see, Santa was good to her.
Angel is having a ball in her new home...she has her own room! As you can see, Santa was good to her.
Angel
Shaba
December, 2017
Shaba is a special girl. She was rescued during the Hurricane Harvey floods after her 89 year old owner tragically perished. She was in need of a lot of love and happily she found it!
Shaba is a special girl. She was rescued during the Hurricane Harvey floods after her 89 year old owner tragically perished. She was in need of a lot of love and happily she found it!
May 2018
Scooby, a sweet 4 year old boy that was rescued from the shelter along with his new owner. Two happy guys!
Scooby, a sweet 4 year old boy that was rescued from the shelter along with his new owner. Two happy guys!
Scooby
May 2018
Zorro and his new mom. Zorro loves his new home and chewing on the new ball his mom got him!
Zorro and his new mom. Zorro loves his new home and chewing on the new ball his mom got him!
Zorro
May 2018
Catalina and her new mom are all smiles as it was love at first sight!
Catalina and her new mom are all smiles as it was love at first sight!
Catalina
July 2018
July, 2018 Bonnie - from her new mom: She’s super playful and loves to chase the broom when I’m sweeping. She is also the best cuddle buddy. She is so loving and goes to all of us for some love and attention. She also gets along really well with out boxer duke. We are so i live with her and she is just the sweetest addition to our family.
July, 2018 Bonnie - from her new mom: She’s super playful and loves to chase the broom when I’m sweeping. She is also the best cuddle buddy. She is so loving and goes to all of us for some love and attention. She also gets along really well with out boxer duke. We are so i live with her and she is just the sweetest addition to our family.
Bonnie
August, 2018
Frieda has settled into her new home and is loving the pampering her new mom is giving her. She instantly became part of the family!
Frieda has settled into her new home and is loving the pampering her new mom is giving her. She instantly became part of the family!
Frieda
Mocha
September, 2018
Mocha (formerly Lenny) has officially become part of the family. According to his mom "He's best buds with their black and white kitten. We love how he trills when petted. He often curls up to sleep with us at night. He's a dear and sweet, companionable cat. We're so glad that he is ours and we are his! Thanks for rescuing our dear kitty!"
Mocha (formerly Lenny) has officially become part of the family. According to his mom "He's best buds with their black and white kitten. We love how he trills when petted. He often curls up to sleep with us at night. He's a dear and sweet, companionable cat. We're so glad that he is ours and we are his! Thanks for rescuing our dear kitty!"
Ringo
November, 2018
He has settled in at his new forever home.
He has settled in at his new forever home.
